Ontario boasts over 80,000 km in trails. Whether you're in downtown Toronto or North of Superior, we have a trail for you.
The Ontario Trails Council is a registered charity, led by volunteers who promote the development, management, use and conservation of Ontario's trails.
You'll find everything from gentle walking trails to rock faces for climbing and water routes to canoe and kayak.

Manitoulin Island's Cup and Saucer Trail to get a new access point

About 20-per cent of the trail will be lost because the owner of the property says he plans to start logging

Manitoulin Island's Cup and Saucer Trail is a favourite among fall hikers. The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy owns the bulk of the trail property, including its highest point. (Manitoulin Life)
The Cup and Saucer trail on Manitoulin Island will get a new entrance in a couple of weeks.Yesterday, CBC reported that Cass Eadie, the owner of the parking lot and main entrance to the popular trail, closed it for financial reasons.
Now, there are new developments from the non-profit group that owns the rest of the scenic trail. The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy has partnered with the town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands.
Mayor Al MacNevin says they have agreed to create a parking lot and a separate access point at the north part of the trail, off Highway 540.
"The island, as a whole, really recognizes the value of the Cup and Saucer and the impact on tourism," he told CBC News.
"And our local citizens as well that enjoy going there when they have visitors. So losing [access to the trail] would be handicap to the island, I think, economically and socially. We're pretty happy we have an option."This past weekend, access to Manitoulin Island's iconic Cup and Saucer trail was shut down by the person that owns the entrance to the trail. Owner Cass Eadie told CBC News he intends to log the property because his quarry business is in financial difficulty. (Facebook)
Because the lot will be off the highway, MacNevin says they were able to get a temporary construction permit from the Ministry of Transportation.
He notes that about 20 per cent of the trail will be lost because it is owned by Eadie.
The conservancy owns two properties on the trail, which amounts to about 350 acres, and includes its highest point.Ontario Trails Week!

Ontario Trails Week is happening May 29 - June 4, 2017.
For the first time Ontario is recognizing the trails that offer so much of us so much enjoyment, by declaring an Ontario Trails Week.

Add an Ontario Trail Week Logo to your website!

Watch for it on our social media, our facebook page and in our twitter feed.
Tell us all about your trail event and join us as we celebrate Ontario's Trails!1. Log in Your Event - Event spreadsheet.2. Add your event to our event calendar - add it here.3. Engage Ontarians with our social media plan. Use our themes!

Hashtags to use:#TrailTipTues#OnTrailsWeek#TOtrails#myfavONtrail#FunFactFriday#TrailCountSat4. Post your personalized decal on your Trail - we have one for every group on our list. (see #5 below)

5. Add your trail user survey to any of your trail pages - we've made one for our members and regions. Get your decal here -
We've checked the links, if something isn't working simply give us a call - 613-484-1140. We'll be adding these links to the various relevant trail pages in your regions and RTO's/DMO's over the upcoming year!

Missing? You may want to talk to us about OTC Membership. 613-484-1140 We'd be happy to connect with you.

Be sure to also celebrate International Trails Day!

Deadline to Comment on CycleOn Extended to May 26thInterested in trails as part of the network? Submit your comments here - EBR Registry Number: 013-0190Trails Specialist WorkshopWhen: 30 May 2017Where: Barrie Operations Centre - 165 Ferndale Drive North, Barrie, ONThe two day workshop has been designed by professionals for all levels of trail builders and enthusiasts. You will receive instruction on how to observe, detect and document potential risk resulting from poor trail design, construction and maintenance. This workshop combines in classroom theory and hands-on experiences. Participants will come away with a valuable Trails Manual and will complete a written test on key elements of the course.This course will cover:

Province Investing in 127 Provincial and Local Sport and Recreation Programs

Ontario is supporting 127 sport and recreation projects across the province to help children and adults stay healthy and active.
Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport was at the Edna Staebler YMCA Child Care facility in Waterloo today to announce support for the Physical Literacy and Recreation Project. This project will engage over 2,000 children and youth in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge in fun activities to get them moving and learn about the importance of staying active.
This is one of 127 projects across Ontario that is receiving support through the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, which helps people of all ages to:

Get involved in sport and recreation programs, with activities ranging from gymnastics for children of varying abilities, to exercise programs for older adults with mobility challenges to local fitness classes for people of all ages and abilities

Learn about the importance of physical activity as a foundation for healthy living

Become recreation leaders in their communities through training in areas such as coaching, youth development and volunteer development.

For children, regular physical activity leads to healthier body weight, stronger bone density and improved mental health. Later in life, physical activity helps maintain health and wellness and can prevent chronic diseases like cancer and Type 2 diabetes.
Helping people of all ages stay healthy and active is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.

QUICK FACTS

The government has provided more than $35 million in funding through the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund since this program was launched.

The Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund is a key priority of Game ON – the Ontario government’s Sport Plan, which is providing opportunities for people in Ontario to get involved in organized sport while strengthening the sport recreation sector in communities across the province.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

We need your input!In 2015 we secured 101 respondents to our "The Value of Trails - Measuring the Economic Impact of Trails Survey." We've added 18 more to the 2017 updates. We have a ways to go. Click through the screen capture below to access the survey.

There are many metrics to measure in determining the economic impact of trails, and tourism in just one factor. In order to accurately represent a closer economic impact of trails we are requesting your speedy response to our Call to Action for Your Input to our Value of Trails 2017 survey.

With your help we will make an even stronger case for trails and the supports you require to provide a top notch experience at each of your trail destinations. We are also accepting new responses! Many Thanks!

Event notice: Ride the GARTRide the Goderich-Auburn Rail Trail on June 4th to celebrate Trails Week in Ontario; meet at the trailhead on Harbour Street, Goderich at 1 p.m. for a leisurely ride. Sponsored by Active Transportation Goderich, and the Maitland Trail Association. More information - Ride the Gart

About Me

The Ontario Trails Council (OTC) - Conseil des Sentiers de l'Ontario – is a charity that promotes the development, preservation, management and use of recreational trails in Ontario.

OTC Successes

As a major stakeholder in the development of the Ontario Trails Strategy, the OTC was pleased to see 30 years of hard work represented in this first provincial policy statement for Ontario. We also acknowledge the development of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) as the lead Ministry for trails in Ontario.

With over 220 economic development, tourism, planning, recreation, park and club organizations, municipalities, conservation areas as members, the OTC is the largest trail association of its type in Canada. We continue to reach out to new stakeholders and create new working groups at the regional level. It supports our goal of making a difference locally, while acting provincially. Membership